Still Life I by MacBryde appears two-dimensional. The use of the black coloured bulk around the table is an effort to make the table appear more three-dimensional. This individualistic combination of opposites, round and angular shapes, creates a very illustrative feel, which is emphasised by the restricted colour scheme.

Robert MacBryde, 1913-1966

Born in Maybole, Ayrshire, MacBryde worked in a factory for five years before enrolling at Glasgow School of Art in 1932. There, he met Robert Colquhoun, who became his lifelong partner and artistic collaborator. The Two Roberts, as they were known, settled in London in 1941 and  immersed themselves in the city’s bohemian and artistic life. Working in bold modernist styles, they became the best known Scottish painters of their generation. MacBryde’s style was strongly influenced by the decorative side of late cubism and focussed on still lifes in strong colours. They also designed sets together for ballet and theatre. MacBryde moved to Ireland after Colquhoun’s death in 1962 and died in a car accident four years later.